He stated in Mataram that the marathon was initially planned to be hosted in Dec, but because of Mount Agung`s eruption, the running event had to be delayed for nearly a month.
"About five thousands runners have registered with the organizer," Faozal remarked, while adding that the participants were from the host country Indonesia, US, Netherlands, Canada, Denmark, China, France, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Puerto Rico, Kenya, Singapore, and Ukraine.
The Tourism Office has expressed belief that the number of participant will rise before the due date, he noted.
"The organizer has prepared the routes and other supporting needs," he remarked.
As an annual event hosted since 2016, the Lombok Marathon has been set to boost the sport tourism in Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara, Faozan emphasized.
"Following this running event, we will host the Rinjani 100 kilometers on May this year," he added.
On a different occasion, the Indonesian Sport Committee (KONI) West Nusa Tenggara Office chairman, Andy Hadianto, revealed that the marathon is comprised of four categories, namely 42 kilometers, 21 kilometers, 10 kilometers, and 5 kilometers.
"For the 42 kilometer and 21 kilometer categories, the starting point is situated at Senggigi beach, while for 10 kilometers and 5 kilometers, the participants will start from the Ampenan Old City in Mataram," he explained.
Hadianto pointed out that the winner of the Lombok Marathon will be awarded Rp300 million prize, a medal, as well as a certificate.
"Sport Tourism has now been attracting a large number of visitors worldwide, and I believe this running event would serve as one of attractions in West Nusa Tenggara Province," he reiterated.
Reported by Nur Imansyah
(Uu. KR-GNT/INE/B003)
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
